Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Dirk Myers

Dirk Randel Myers, 66, resident of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away late Sunday evening, November 26, 2023. He was born November 8, 1957, in Lawton, Oklahoma, the son of Richard “Dick” Evan Myers and Virginia Joyce (Yoke) Myers.

 

He grew up in Fort Scott and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1976. After graduation, he attended The Kansas City Art Institute where he graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in 1980.  Upon graduation he worked as a free-lance artist; some of his work included the brochure for the First Annual Homes for the Holiday Tour, the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta advertisement in the Fort Scott Tribune, and many items for the United Methodist Church of which he was a member. He moved to Pittsburg, Kansas and continued as a free-lance artist while working for the Senior Center. He was retired but continued to display and sell his artwork. Dirk loved the Lord, and his family with all his heart.

 

Dirk is survived by his mother, Virginia Myers, of Fort Scott; two sisters, Lesa D. Butler and husband Steve, of Lucas, Texas, Bridget A. Reber and husband Hobie of Lake Winnebago, Missouri; and five nieces and nephews, Kayla Blevins, Jennifer Butler, Samuel, Maxwell, Ava Reber and one great-nephew Asher Blevins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dick Myers and grandparents Francis and Dorothy Myers and George and Essie Yoke.

Following cremation, the family will hold a private graveside service in July of 2024.

Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Obituary of Shirley Doty

Shirley Mae Andrews Doty, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother passed away Friday, December 1, 2023, in Fort Scott, KS. She was 84 years old.

Shirley grew up in Arma, KS. She married Orval in August 1960. The fall of 1966, Shirley started college at Fort Scott Community College. After graduation, Shirley attended Pittsburg State University. She graduated with a major in Education in 1971. Shirley taught Kindergarten in Lansing, KS for one year. She then taught Kindergarten at Sunflower Elementary, DeSoto, and then moved to teaching Second grade at DeSoto Elementary. She retired after teaching 33 years. Shirley then joined Orval and lived in Fort Scott the remainder of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orval, her parents, Harold Andrews and Mary Endicott Jones, a sister, Betty Andrews Holland, and an infant son, Terry Wayne Colvin.

She is survived by her children; Jacque Doty, Ft Scott, Orval Doty (Teresa), Blue Mound, David Doty, DeSoto, Susan Plummer, (Dave) DeSoto, John Doty Ft Scott; her grandchildren, Brooke Crossley, Brad Crossley (Emma), Brittany Kibel, Amy Reynolds (Wally), William Doty (Andrea), Kristina Lohmyer (Eric), Amanda Plummer, Dylan Doty; her great grandchildren, Amy, Cameron, Kimber, Tristan, Kaylee, Madaline, Julia, Lucas, Adeline, Emma, Chase, Peyton, Brady; and her great great granddaughter, Luna. She also leaves behind her sister, Josie Harris Stilwell Ok and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss her very much.

There was cremation.  Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 16th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Interment will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Memorial Service for Wilma Graham is December 9

 

Wilma Kay Graham, age 77, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at her home in Redfield.  There was cremation.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 9th, at the Redfield United Methodist Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Redfield Ruritan and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Cathy Killion

Cathy Jean Killion, age 73, a resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  She was born March 22, 1950, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of William Wayne Watkins and Edna Mae “Cricket” Kells Watkins.

Cathy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1968.  Because Cathy’s dad owned and operated the ambulance service in Ft. Scott, she was naturally drawn to a career in health care.  She trained to be an emergency medical technician and also a certified nurse’s aide.  She was employed for a time with Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott

.  She married the love of her life, John Wayne Killion on August 15, 1970, at the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott.  Cathy worked for a short time at Key Industries prior to the birth of her twins.  She later worked for fifteen years at Wal-Mart.  She later returned to Mercy Hospital where she worked in outpatient scheduling.  She retired from Mercy in 2010 after twenty-two years of service.  Cathy enjoyed gardening, baking and cooking.  She also taught herself how to crochet left-handed.  Since moving to the Medicalodge, Cathy enjoyed coloring, doing crafts and playing Bingo.  She was a member of the St. John’s Global Methodist Church.

 

Survivors include her husband, John, of the home; three children, Mike Killion (Diane) of Springfield, Missouri, Bob Killion (Mindy) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Lori Westhoff (Ron) of Assaria, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Seth Killion, Andy Killion (Abby), Trevor Killion, Hannah Killion, Coleman Westhoff (Maggie), Carter Westhoff, Cooper Westhoff, Caitlyn Killion (Frank), Chelsea Killion and Hunter Killion; four great-grandchildren, Ember, Kaisley, John and Dominic.  Also surviving are her brother, David Watkins, Sr. (Teresa) and a brother-in-law, Tom Killion all of Ft. Scott as well as several nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Cricket.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Cricket Watkins, her step-mother, Violet Watkins and in-laws, James and Mary Killion.

 

Rev. James Brackett will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Karen Kellenberger

Karen Joy (Geyer) Kellenberger, age 69, died peacefully at home November 21, 2023, surrounded by family and hymns of heaven, after a six-year battle with multiple myeloma.

Karen was born September 13, 1954, in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Walter and Hazel (Wiegand) Geyer.

Karen married the love of her life, Ricky Kellenberger, on December 30, 1972. Shortly after, they gave their hearts to Jesus and joined the Apostolic Christian Church in Sabetha, KS, and have served the Lord together the past 51 years.

Over the next 9 years of Veterinary Medical School, and then Medical School, she accompanied her husband to Manhattan, KS, Normal, Ill, McHenry Ill, Oak Forest, Ill, Carson City, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, and Emmetsburg, IA.

Karen worked constantly at different jobs in different cities until the birth of her first child.  Rick has always acknowledged that he would not have gotten through the many years of schooling without Karen’s financial and emotional support.

She stood by Rick through 9 years of education, and 43 years of medical practice, enabling him to care for his patients.

Everywhere they lived, they were active in their church.  In 1985 they settled for 19 years in the West Bend, IA area where Rick worked as a rural family doctor.  Karen raised their 5 children while managing the Dairy Queen Rick and Karen built in Emmetsburg, IA.   Everyone that knew Karen recognized her as a dedicated hard worker with a friendly smile.

Karen and Rick returned to Kansas in 2000, initially living in Stillwell, KS.  In 2001, they moved to Fort Scott to establish a private general practice near their daughter.  They purchased a small farm and Karen thrived in her new role as a farm wife and loved to watch the sunset over their ponds.

Karen brought a passion for music, especially in bringing glory to God. She taught herself guitar and loved to play for family singing events over the years. She also obtained her private pilot’s license to add a safety factor while flying with Rick. She and Rick enjoyed many Canadian and Minnesota fishing trips, some of which included flying.

Karen had a strong sense of humor and soft heart for any person or animal that was hurting. She ended up with many feral cats, as she fed each stray cat. She was a great listener and affirmer, and made each person feel special when listening. She loved to sing at church events and sang at every opportunity.

In addition to her Savior, her dearest joy was her family.   She diligently attended all events involving her grandchildren.  She read books, played games, and invested in knowing every grandchild, including her most recent granddaughter, Juliana.

She will be missed not only by her husband Rick, but by her children/spouses Robin (Justin) Moser of Redondo Beach, CA, Kent (Kelsey) of Lenexa, Kansas, Kristi (Trent) Banwart of Fort Scott, Amber (Ryan) Lewis of Fort Scott, and Ryan (Adrienne) of Fort Scott, as well as her brothers Roger (Melanie) Geyer, Dale (Barb) Geyer, and Walter (Bonnie) Geyer. Her 18 grandchildren (Cody, Garrett, and Natalie Moser; Ellieana and Juliana Kellenberger; Benjamin, Josiah, Noelle, Chloe, Anika, and Ezra Banwart; Micah, Owen, Hannah, and Cooper Lewis; and Calvin, Ainsley, and Claire Kellenberger) will miss her dearly.

Yet they celebrate her faith as Christians themselves.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

 

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Saturday, December 2nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 3rd at the Apostolic Christian Church in Ft. Scott, Kansas and a graveside service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, December 4th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights School or to the Apostolic Christian Harvest Call and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary of Lloyd Wiley

Lloyd Eugene Wiley, 89, a Fort Scott, Kansas resident, passed away, at his home, Saturday morning, November 25, 2023.  He was born on April 30, 1934, the son of Fred Funston Wiley and Opal Virginia (Duncan) Wiley in Fort Scott, Kansas. He married Norma ‘Jean’ Mudd on May 17, 1953; she preceded him in death on April 27, 2020.

 

Lloyd was a life-long resident of Bourbon County. He graduated from Fort Scott High School, and worked as a farmer, farming his own land, and as a carpenter. He owned his own construction company, Wiley Construction, for many years specializing in custom homes and remodels.

 

An active community member, Lloyd volunteered with many organizations. He was a long-time member of the Bourbon County Fair Board. Lloyd was inducted into the Kansans Fairs & Festivals Association’s Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also extremely active with the Tri-State Draft Horse Pullers. A favorite pastime was to load up his draft horses and head to pulling matches all over the country, having competed in places such as the National Western Stock Show in Denver and the Tulsa, Oklahoma State Fair. When at home he spent many, many days pulling wagons with grade-school kids, nursing home residents, and Santas in the Fort Scott Christmas parades; you name it Lloyd was present in the community.

 

Known as a husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend to many, Lloyd will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Those he left behind are comforted, knowing that he is in a better place with his loved ones who passed before him, including Jean and Lyn. Knowing Lloyd, he probably went and picked up his Jean, and they are headed to a pulling match in heaven right now.

 

Survivors include his son Pete Wiley, of Fort Scott; daughter-in-law, Cindy Wiley, of St. Francis, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Marie Wiley and Pat Price, both of Fort Scott; three grandchildren, Dustin Wiley and his wife Randi of Okemah, Oklahoma, Darin Wiley and his wife Taylor of Snook, Texas, and Cheyenne Von Krosigk and her husband Randell of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; great-grandson, Weston Lyn Wiley of Okemah, Oklahoma; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his wife, Jean, Lloyd was also preceded in death by his eldest son, Lyn; daughter-in-law, Jeanie; his parents; three brothers, Don Wiley, Dale Wiley, and Larry Wiley; and his sister, Dorothy Hoffman.

 

Chuck Harris will conduct funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott, with burial following at the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, November 28, 2023, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bourbon County Fair Board, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Obituary of Robert Webster

Robert Warren Webster, age 87, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas passed away Friday, November 24, 2023.  He was born January 7, 1936, in Butler, Missouri, the son of Burley Webster and Vonda Murphy Webster.  At the time, the family was living in Metz, Missouri.  Bob started the first grade at the age of five.  When he was in third grade, the family moved to Nevada, Missouri where Robert graduated from high school at the age of seventeen.

He then joined the U. S. Marine Corps and after boot camp at Camp Pendleton California, he served for a time in Korea and later returned to Camp Pendleton for the remainder of his enlistment.  While in the service, he was awarded the National Defense Ribbon, the Korean Service Ribbon and the Expert Rifleman Medal.  After returning home, he met and married Jacqueline Ann Reagan of Ft. Scott, Kansas on June 29, 1957.  She was the daughter of John and Mary Reagan.  At this time, he joined the Catholic Church in Ft. Scott.

After several jobs, Bob then managed the Gibson Discount Store in Ft. Scott and later he worked for the U-234 school system for twenty-one years before he retired.  Bob and Jackie presently live at 224 S. Little Street in Ft. Scott where they have lived for the past fifty-six years.

 

Survivors include his wife, Jackie, of the home and five children, Barbara Cassidy (Kent) of Ft. Scott, Mary “Ginger” Gregory of Pittsburg, Kansas, Nancy Peterman Webster of Nevada, Missouri, Elizabeth Ulrich (Brek) of Iola, Kansas and Matthew Webster (Chrissa) of Towanda, Kansas.  Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Merle Webster.

 

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, November 29th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church (Kennedy Gym.)

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel with visitation following from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Building Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Paul Constans

Paul Philip Constans, age 75, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.  Born in Portland, OR May 15,1948 to Robert and Virginia Constans, Paul was the middle of three boys. Their Dad worked for the government, so they lived in several different cities across the country growing up. He graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder and got his MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona. Upon graduation, Paul worked at Marion Laboratories in Pharmaceutical Sales and as Product Manager. He loved his work there and had the opportunity to travel to many different countries throughout the world during his time there. Following his retirement from Marion, he enjoyed delivering parts for O’Reilly Auto Parts.

He married Pam Walker on January 10, 1986, in Shawnee, KS.

Paul loved watching football, and he especially loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed.

 

Survivors include his wife Pam Constans, four children, Megan Daly (Joe) of Cedar Park, TX, Jodi Davis (Robert) of Devon, KS, Carre Constans (Donald) of Houston, TX, and Mandy Hall (Cliff) of Bronson, KS; 14 grand kids and 9 great grand kids. Also surviving are two brothers, Steve Constans (Linda) of Longview, WA, and Matt Constans (Coral) of Washougal, WA.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Funeral Services for Paul Constans will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, November 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.

Private burial will take place later in the Bronson Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Death Notice of Paul Constans

Paul Philip Constans, age 75, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home.  Funeral Services for Paul Constans will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, November 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Private burial will take place later in the Bronson Cemetery.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary of Josie Motley

Josie Kay Motley “JoJo” entered the world in Pittsburg, Kansas on Dec 30th, 2020. She was raised on a small cattle ranch in Redfield Kansas. On November 20th, 2023, JoJo ran into the arms of Our Loving Savior at the age of 2 at Childrens Mercy in Kansas City, Missouri. \

Josie lived in Redfield with her parents, Levi and Aubri Motley, siblings Piper and Dusty, and Papa Tom. JoJo was a very energetic and loving child. She loved to steal Memaws coffee, do anything she possibly could with Papa Tom, ride their pony Chunky Monkey and play with her big yellow goat. She loved going to church and participating in Sunday School. She was driven and determined. She was a big kid and could do anything that anyone else was doing and there was no telling her any different. Josie had a bright personality. People were drawn to JoJo due to her contagious laugh and smile.

 

Josie is preceded in death by her great grandparents, Sarah and Frank Kottwitz, Rollin Motley, Debbie Walters, and Max Potter, and her grandfather Dennis Brown.

JoJo is survived by her parents Levi and Aubri Motley, siblings Piper and Dusty Motley, Grandparents “Papa” Tom Motley, “Memaw” Joyce Brown, “Poppy” Lawrence Potter and “Grandma” Dennise and “Grandpa” Scott Peck, Great Grandparents “Grandpa” Roy Walters, “Nana” Kay Potter, and “Grandma” Wanda Mifflin, Aunts, “Aunt LaLa” Laurie Motley, Kendra (Howie) Butler, Jessica Motley, Autumn Potter, and Angela (Will) Crawford, Uncles Austin Potter, Enos Gingerich, and Nick Brown, many great aunts and uncles, cousins, extended families, and friends.

 

Pastor Kenny Moulder will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Friday, November 24th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, KS.

Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery, Redfield, KS.

The family will receive friends Friday from 12:00 Noon until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to either Ronald McDonald Charities or Childrens Mercy PICU and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Paul Tinsley

Paul Everett Tinsley, age 84, resident of Bronson, KS, died Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Moran Manor Nursing Home, Moran, KS.  He was born April 6, 1939, 6 miles southeast of Blue Mound, KS, on the family farm, the son of Everett “Ebb” and Edith Marie Stewart Tinsley.

He graduated from Moran high school.  Paul married Beth Ann Glasgow on May 25, 1959, in Lone Elm, KS.  She preceded him in death on October 14, 2020.

Paul worked his entire career for the Local Union #101 Pipe Liner’s Union Kansas City.  He enjoyed raising coon dogs and hunting.  He was a lifetime member of the Treeing Walker Breeders and Fanciers Association of the U.S. and Canada, as well as the NRA.  Paul was also a member of the Mirza Shrine and Masonic Lodge as well as the Xenia Baptist Church.

 

Survivors include three children, Paula Ann Vincent, Everette Allen Tinsley, and James Bradford Tinsley; four grandchildren, David Paul Vincent, Deianeira Vincent, Danee’ Vincent, and Alex Lee Lukenbill; a brother, Kenneth Tinsley, and wife Donnell; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Johnson, and his parents.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Monday, November 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Paul Tinsley Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Jessie Neville

Jessie Mae Neville, age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 20, 2023.  She was born December 24, 1931, to Carl Ausemus and Emma Armstrong Ausemus, the youngest of the eleven Ausemus children.  She was born on the homeplace between Hiattville and Hepler.  After her father’s unexpected death, the family moved to Hepler where she finished High School and then moved to Girard.  Her first job was at Zettle’s Bakery in Girard.

Jessie Mae married Merle E. Neville on September 24, 1950, in Girard.  While living in Girard, they owned and operated a service station and rental cabins.  To their union four children were born, Gerald, Larry, Julie and David.  Jessie Mae later worked at Key Work Clothes in Ft. Scott from 1962 to 2000.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, gardening and cooking.  She was a great encouragement to her family; you could always count on Mom.

 

Survivors include three children, Gerald W. Neville of Wichita, Kansas, Julie Ledford (Brian) of Neosho, Missouri and David Neville (Doretta) of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Linda Neville of Nixa, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Darcy Sinn (Doug), Chelle Lear (C.J.), Levi Neville (Joey), Jeremy Neville (Megan), Joseph Neville, Jordan Neville, Kimberly Large, Sarah Bussey and Joshua Dillahay (Megan) and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Merle and her son, Larry, as well as ten brothers and sisters, Bertha Stone, Helen Dumm, James Ausemus, Earl Ausemus, Kenneth Ausemus, Chet Ausemus, Lavon Fosberg, Elsie Montee, Lucille McDaniel, and Leeroy “Bub” Ausemus.

 

Pastor Mark Ledford will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 25th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Turkey Creek Cemetery north of Uniontown, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.